Shopping as I recall pre covid was a pleasant activity especially if it involved coffee in a cafe & excluded buying groceries. So rashly I agreed to accompany my daughter to buy a new phone.
To our surprise driving in & parking was relatively painless. So much we nearly googled check that the shops were actually open, the streets were so empty.
Suddenly we found ourselves stepping back because we were met by a horde of employees ‘armed’ with masks, wipes & thermometers. We had to undergo a brief interrogation to establish why we were there.
Kicking myself for my lack of preparedness in bringing a full hazmat suit I delved into my bag for my mask. All the while wondering if we mistakenly trying to gain entry to some new form of ‘Escape Room’ . The sort where you had to puzzle your way in rather than out.
An Apple a Day
It crossed my mind that even Noah hadn’t had this problem when loading his ark! It was soon clear that entering the store in two’s was being actively discouraged.
Correctly sensing an impending ‘Karen moment’ the assistant finally acquiesced. Having concluded the deal I felt the need to seek caffeine preferably intravenously.
My daughter’s predilection for a certain brand of cold brew took us on a trek across the city. This was because there was only one outlet open that sold it. It took us by surprise to find that the cafe was actually open & offering the option of ‘drinking in’.
Spaced out in a cafe?
As we entered we found the tables were spaced out & closely managed by the assistant primed to decontaminate the minute any one arose from a chair. Despite this the staff had managed to recreate something that felt relaxing.
Rested & refreshed we trotted back into the shops for round two. Honestly participated sparring sessions that have felt less arduous.
Finally we took a deep breath & joined a 40 min queue to enter the shop that had systematic shopping down to a fine art long before covid. Our mission was to get a cupboard for . … yes covid cleaning equipment amongst other items.
Laminate Laminate
It seems I have become the self appointed ‘queen of laminated covid warning signs!’ I have seemingly manufactured enough to deplete a small rainforest. Given the amount of plastic involved it’s probably not ecco friendly either but we won’t go there.
If asked I would have always considered myself quite public spirited & generally compliant with rules. However the covid experience has sorely tested that recently. I’ll will be glad when these rules are finally lifted.
On a brighter note I found myself to be on a steep digital learning curve in which I will be discovering how to produce content for digitally streaming live music. What could possibly go wrong?
Well you will have to wait until next time. Meanwhile ‘mask up’ & stay safe.
Below is a short video clip which is one of the first that were made in support of the music project Tagaband that was in its embryonic